Be Like A Tree

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3

During the winter in the South, homeowners with lots of pine trees on their property dread a heavy snow or ice storm. These tall, thin trees are top heavy and have shallow root systems. When snow and ice build up on the upper branches, the trees can fall over easily and do great damage to a house. Oaks, on the other hand, have root systems that anchor them firmly to withstand weather, weight, and wind.

The author of Psalm 1 used a firmly established tree to represent a person who “meditates day and night” on God’s Word (1:2). Because that tree has sunk its roots deeply to gain nourishment from the river, it “brings forth its fruit in its season.” Referring to such a person, the psalmist says that “whatever he does shall prosper.” When we sink our spiritual roots deep into God’s Word, we will bear fruit. We will be blessed because our lives are based on truth—which affects not only our actions but our reactions to whatever life brings.

Meditating “day and night” is a discipline. It is the practice of taking in God’s Word and then thinking about it all day, applying it to every situation, and capturing new insights as the day goes on. Try it!

The income of God’s Word is the outcome of a changed life.

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